Ultimate GOT BLOG

With Halloween nearly upon us there’s no doubt that you’ll see plenty of Game of Thrones costumes this year, whether it’s from someone suppporting House Stark, House Lannister or House Targaryen (or even a few White Walkers here or there).

Creative types can also run wild with all sorts of ideas, from a headless Ned Stark or a Khaleessi complete with baby dragons; with hundreds of characters to choose from in the A Song of Ice and Fire universe there’s no excuse for not coming up with a kick-ass Game of Thrones costume this year.

You’ll likely need to take a little more time and invest some work int your Game of Thrones Halloween costume (as opposed to popping into a local Super Wal-Mart and buying an Angry Birds costume) but hey, what better excuse do you need to break that longsword out of the closet?

A Song of Ice and Fire is an epic fantasy series by New York Times bestselling author George R. R. Martin. While the books do contain fantastical elements such as dragons, magic, and mystical creatures, and all the Game of Thrones quotes your heart seeks, the main story revolves around the wars and intrigues of the noble houses fighting for control of the Iron Throne of Westeros.​

A “house” is a family who is seated in a castle and controls the lands around it. The house could be as small as an impoverished landowner with little land and vassals, or as grand as a family with a noble lineage, vast territories, and strong military power. Small or “minor” houses are ruled by the Great Houses, who answer to whoever sits on the Iron Throne in King’s Landing.

Every noble house, no matter how small, has its own sigil and a house moto. For the purpose of this article we will not focus solely on the motos, but choose a proper quote where appropriate. Quotes on their own don’t offer too much of an insight to the reader / viewer, so I will accompany them by the background of each major house.

At the beginning of the series, four Great Houses are the dominant players in the game of thrones, namely: House Stark, House Baratheon, House Targaryen, and House Lannister. Despite being exiled across the sea House Targaryen forms an alliance with the fierce warrior tribe Dothraki in the hopes to reclaime their seat in the Iron Throne.

There is a total of nine Great Houses in Westeros. Each of these houses has its own sigil and motto. Due to Martin’s unique and exemplary writing style, each family also has a rich culture and historical background. There are also over 100 minor houses throughout the land with varying degrees of power and influence.

Great Houses of Westeros... and their quotes and words

​House Arryn is the oldest and purest line of Andal nobility. Their family has ruled over the Vale and its houses for millennia. Their castle sits atop a mountain in the Eyrie. The house has recently been named Warden of the East by King Robert Baratheon. The head of the house, Jon Arynn, also had the privilege of being Robert’s Hand – the King’s right hand. Upon Jon’s death, he was succeeded by his only child and heir, Robert Arynn, though it is Jon’s widow, Lady Lysa of House Tully, who rules until her son comes of age. The sigil of House Arryn is a white falcon and moon against a dark blue field and their family motto is “As High As Honor”.

​House Baratheon has been the ruling house of Westeros since Robert’s Rebellion. The head of the family is King Robert Baratheon, who rules from King’s Landing, the capital city of the Seven Kingdoms. He is known as an avid drinker and whorer, probably best illustrated by his saying in the first season of Game of Thrones:

"I'm simply asking you to run my kingdom while I eat, drink, and whore myself into an early grave."​

​Since King Robert’s untimely demise, the family has been split into three factions supporting their own claimants to the throne. The three contenders are Joffrey, Robert’s son and heir; and Robert’s younger brothers, Stannis and Renly. The family sigil is a black stag on a golden field. Their motto is “Ours is the Fury”.

​The Greyjoy family rules over the Iron Islands and Ironborn in the Western coast of Westeros, from their family’s castle in Pyke. After rebelling against King Robert’s rule, the family experienced a crushing defeat, in which Lord Balon Greyjoy’s fleet was burned, his eldest sons were slain, and his youngest son was taken hostage by House Stark. Since then, House Greyjoy prefers to keep to themselves and have gone back to their practice of raiding nearby coastlines. They are primarily a seafaring people. Their sigil is a golden kraken against a black field and their motto is “We Do Not Sow”.​

​One of the richest and oldest families, House Lannister rules over the Westerlands from their seat in Casterly Rock. Although backed by a great military force, they did not choose sides in Robert’s Rebellion until the very end. It was Jaime Lannister who slew the Targaryen King, gaining him the title of “Kingslayer”. The Lannisters all seem to have the same traits and characteristics. Most of them are blond, beautiful, and deadly – save for the Lannister dwarf, Tyrion. Since marrying into the royal House of Baratheon, the family has enjoyed elevated status and power. The family sigil is a golden lion against a crimson field and its official motto is “Hear me roar!”.​

However, they seem to be better known by their unofficial quote: "A Lannister Always Pays His Debts".

House Martell rules over the peninsular of Dorne. Their family seat is in Sunspear. Although originally a tiny, obscure noble house, it was the only Great House that refused – quite successfully – to give in to the Targaryen invasion despite the onslaught of their dragons. The violent rebellion only ended when a marriage alliance was formed with House Targaryen. History repeats itself when Prince Maron Martell chose to marry to Daenerys Targaryen, the sole survivor of House Targaryen. House Martell’s sigil is a golden sun pierced by a spear. Their motto is “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken”.​

​House Stark has ruled over the North for eight thousand years. The family boasts of an impressive lineage that goes back all the way to the First Men, the first human culture to step foot in Westeros. Their key personalities and traits exude a directness and practicality born from surviving the harsh cold weather that pervades the Northern lands. Their sigil is a grey direwolf on a field of white and their motto is “Winter is Coming”.​

You can also check out this article on Game of Thrones quotes if you want more quotes by the Stark family members. Though most of the people enjoy Tyrion’s quotes the most, I find myself a big fan of the Stark family. Honor and sincerity in the first place.

House Tully has ruled over the Riverlands for centuries. Its family seat is in Riverrun and the present head of its house is Lord Hoster Tully. His daughters, Catelyn and Lysa married Eddard “Ned” Stark and Jon Arryn respectively, thereby joining their houses with that of the powerful Starks and Arryns. After the death of Jon Arryn and the eventual downfall of the Starks, the Tullys were exiled from Riverrun by Lord Petyr Baelish. The sigil of House Tully is a silver fish on a blue field. Their motto is “Family, Duty, Honor”.

​House Tyrell rules over the Reach, a vast and fertile land. Its castle lies in Highgarden. The house is currently led by Lord Mace Tyrell, whose son, Loras, is a renowned tournament knight known as the “Knight of Flowers”. House Tyrell also serves as the Warden of the South. They have recently tried to form an alliance with the royal family by marrying Margaery Tyrell to King Joffrey Baratheon. Their sigil is a golden rose on a green field and their motto is “Growing Strong”.​

​This powerful house of Valyrian descent ruled over Dragonstone island until Aegon Targaryen invaded the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. House Targaryen controlled the Iron Throne for 300 years, until Robert’s Rebellion. They are the only family that is able to forge bonds with dragons. Their predominant traits are silver hair and the ability to withstand high temperatures. Since their exile from Westeros, the house has been trying to find a way to return and reclaim the throne. The family’s sole survivor, Daenerys Targaryen, is determined to uphold this mission. House Targaryen’s sigil is a red, three-headed dragon against a black field. The house motto is “Fire and Blood”.​

Ten compelling episodes squeezed into one single box set, does it get any better? Quickly selling out on many retailer sites due to sheer popular demand it has become the ‘must have’ item for die hard fans all over the globe. And no wonder, for what could be better than experiencing the glory of Westeros whenever you want to.

Game of Thrones Season 1 – Technical Specifications

Running time: 600 minutes

Year: 2011

Aspect ratio: 1.78 :1 (high definition)

5.1 surround sound

Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode Guide

The first episode in Game of Thrones season 1 titled ‘Winter is Coming’ introduces us to Robert Baratheon, king of the seven kingdoms of Westeros. Travelling north accompanied by his wife Queen Cersei, he seeks to ask that his friend of old Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell, joins him in Kings Landing to serve as his hand.Meanwhile Prince Viserys Targaryen, exiled in the kingdom of Essos across the narrow sea, seeks an alliance with the barbarian-like Dothraki, and offers his sister Daenerys to Khal Drogo, a great Dothraki warlord for marriage in exchange for the aid of Drogo’s army.

In Winterfell Bran Stark, son of Lord Eddard, makes a shocking discovery.

Episode 2 ‘The Kings Road’ keeps the fate of young Bran Stark in doubt. As Lord Eddard leaves Winterfell with his daughters Sansa and Arya having accepted the role of King’s Hand, his wife Lady Catelyn Stark stays behind so that she may tend to her invalid son Bran.Jon Snow, Eddard Starks illegitimate son heads north to the Wall, joining the Brotherhood of the Night’s Watch. Accompanying him is the dwarf brother of Queen Cersei, Tyrion Lannister. In Essos Daenerys Targaryen seeks to please her new husband while brother Viserys waits in hope that he will win back the Iron Throne.

Episode 3 ‘Lord Snow’ sees Eddard Stark in Kings Landing, where he joins the King’s Small Council. Lady Catelyn follows her husband south, suspicious that the Lannister family were responsible for young Bran’s fall, en route she is met by old ally Lord Petyr ‘Littlefinger’ Baelish. Jon Snow struggles with life on the wall as Cersei and brother Jaime Lannister consider the implications should young Bran recover from his fall. Daenerys Targaryen begins to stand up to her brother Viserys.

Episode 4 cunningly titled ‘Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things’ leads with Eddard Stark’s search for clues to the death of Jon Arryn his predecessor, uncovering a bastard son of King Robert in the process. A tournament in honor of Lord Stark is witnessed by King Robert and his guests.Jon Snow seeks to protect a fellow Watchmen Samwell Tarly from further abuse at the hands of the Brotherhood. As Viserys Targaryen and his sister Daenerys clash, Sansa Stark dreams of life as a queen while her mother Catelyn rallies allies of Lord Stark.

‘The Wolf and the Lion’ sees Eddard Stark and King Robert Baratheon at odds as the King seeks to cut down the emerging threat from Daenerys’ alliance with the Dothraki. Held as a captive Tyrion Lannister arrives with Catelyn Stark at the Eyrie, meeting Lady Starks sister Lysa, widow of Jon Arryn. Jaime Lannister demands Lord Stark answer for the kidnapping of his brother Tyrion, and Arya Stark overhears of a plot against her father.

In ‘A Golden Crown’ Eddard Stark is left to guard the Iron Throne whilst King Robert goes on a hunt. At the Eyrie Tyrion receives a trial by combat after confessing to his ‘crimes’, and Khal Drogo gives Viserys his final payment for Daenerys.As Lord Stark confronts Queen Cersei over the secret behind Jon Arryns death, ‘You Win or You Die’ shows King Robert, mortally wounded from the hunt readying to name his successor.He appoints Eddard Stark as Regent of the Iron Throne until the King’s heir comes of age. Jon Snow takes the vows of the Nights Watch and Khal Drogo vows to lead the Dothraki overseas.

‘The Pointy End’ sees the Lannisters keeping Lord Stark in the dungeons, as his son Robb rallies allies against them. Sansa pleads with Joffrey for the life of her father, whilst in the north Jon Snow comes against an evil from beyond the wall. The Dothraki army continues marching toward the Seven Kingdoms.

Episode 9 ‘Baelor’ raises tensions as both Stark and Lannister armies prepare to face each other in battle. Daenerys tries in desperation to save the life of her husband by any means necessary. To save the life of his daughters Eddard Stark confesses to conspiracy as Joffrey shows him no mercy.

The season finale ‘Fire and Blood’ brings an uprising in the north over the news of Lord Starks execution and Robb Stark is proclaimed as their King of The North. Tyrion Lannister is assigned the position of King’s Hand by his father to keep his son and the young King Joffrey in check.

Jon Snow joins an expedition north of the Wall to confront massing enemies. Daenerys having sacrificed her unborn son to save her husband realises her grave mistake, and burns the treacherous witch that is responsible. In the raging flames of the pyre something wonderful happens to her precious dragon eggs.

How much: The Game of Thrones RPG costs between $49.99-29.99 on Amazon depending on which platform you are using.

Who would buy it:Game of thrones RPG is perfect for someone that likes watching television and playing mission based computer games. A person who is a fan of the TV series and the A Song of Ice & Fire novel series by George R R Martin will find the Game of thrones a nice way to complete the mental picture.

Game of Thrones RPG is also very good entertainment for people over the age of 18. It should be added that it has mature content meaning that parents and guardians of minors should probably stay away from it.

Things we liked about Game of thrones RPG:

One of the best things about the Game of thronesRPG obtained from amazon is the ease of download. You can easily download it into any computer since not much is needed in the way of resources. The computer you intend to play game of thrones rpg from needs to have at least 7GB of hard drive space, 2GB of RAM, AMD/Intel Dual Core 2.2 GHz processor and a video card with space of at least 256mb. The operating systems of choice need to be Windows 7/vista or XP. You find that most gaming computers have these features meaning that downloading Game of Thrones RPG will be hassle free.

Another good thing about Game of Thrones RPG is the game play. Game of Thrones RPG provides a very thrilling story line that ensures that a gamer will most likely stay put from start to end. Game quality is enhanced by the sound and visuals that easily transport the gamer into a mediaeval world full of spectacular battles, chivalry, damsels in distress and everything you would expect from a fantasy world mimicking days gone by. You will also find it very easy to get into character, particularly if you have read A Song of Ice & Fire series or watched the corresponding television adaptations Game of Thrones Season 1 & Season 2.

The Game of Thrones RPG game is also not your average mission game. You will need to put in a lot of effort and brain power before you can move into the next levels. You will need to enter into many fierce battles that require a lot of creativity and forethought to win. You will have to hit the restart button many times as you sharpen your tactics. This means that the Game of Thrones RPG is not your usual mission game filled with blood and gore and nothing else. The fact that you really have to put in a lot of effort means that going up the different levels will provide a great sense of accomplishment.

You’ll also be tempted to replay Game of Thrones RPG after you finish it. There is something about this game that will cause you to want to relive the fantasy; something you will not find in most computer games. This means that your $50 will be well spent, particularly if you are looking to flex your escapist muscles. Part of the reason for this is the fact that all the characters tend to be consistent throughout the game allowing the entire fantasy to remain solid from start to finish.

Things we did not like about game of thrones RPG:

One of the most striking demerits about Game of Thrones RPG is the high level of blood and gore. This makes the game very unsuitable for minors or those that tend to be squeamish. If you are one looking to escape into a utopian society without betrayal, bloodshed etc., then game of thrones is not the game for you.Game of Thrones RPG is designed for fans of the TV and book series and also for people with a latent violent streak when it comes to gaming.

Another thing we did not like about the Game of Thrones RPG is the hard disc size needed. This means that people downloading it through a choppy internet connection will have to wait for many hours. You’ll also find it to be a waste of resources if you don’t intend to replay it. On the other hand, you can download and install it in an eternal hard drive therefore preventing computer resources from being needlessly hogged.

Guarantee:The game of thrones RPG computer game is software meaning that you will not be getting a guarantee. If you download a corrupted copy, you will be free to download another copy of game of thrones RPG from your games library. It should be added that corrupted downloads are virtually non-existent.

Is the game of thrones RPG worth the money?The game of thrones RPG game is perfect for any casual or serious gamer. It is also a nice way to complete the fantasy provided by the corresponding TV and book series.

Where can I buy the game of thrones RPG game:The best place to buy and download it is from Amazon.com. Amazon also allows customers to make honest reviews allowing you to make a well informed decision before buying the game.

I’ve started this blog with small details about GoT in mind. I will not be covering the parts everybody knows in the rest of the blog, but I need to set up the scope of this blog. I will be dealing with such things as the games related to the Game of Thrones universe, maybe Halloween GoT costumes, and such thing. But before we go into it, let us recap what GoT is really about.

Game of Thrones is actually the first book in a Song of Ice and Fire series, which is an epic fantasy series by George RR Martin and there are currently 5 books in the series, and it is confirmed that Martin is writing the 6th and 7th novels. And if you are like me and you are a fan of the series I know you have your fingers crossed for those novels to come out very soon. So breathe deep, because there's a lot going on in this story.

So, basically, a Game of Thrones at its core is a mystery. Now, I say at its core, because that is what the main storyline kind of revolves around, but it's surrounded by all of this epic fantasy stuff, so that's why it is considered an epic fantasy novel. It's set in this medieval world that is very similar to our reality, but it is technically in alternate reality, because there are mythical creatures involved and magical things. However, for the most part it is a very human world.

With a Game of Thrones it is very important to pay attention to the characters, because there are lots of them and lots of relationships and lots of complex things going on in the story, but at the same time it's very fun to read so I'm going to try and simplify the story for you guys and hopefully this comes across the way that I want it to.

I will be focusing only on details, not on the big theories and stuff. So if that’s also your cup of tea – be my guest and follow me, or leave a comment.